Artist Embeds USB File Sharing Network Into Walls

An artist named Aram Bartholl has come up with a novel spin on peer-to-peer file sharing, by embedding USB sticks into walls across New York.

The project, which is called “Dead Drops” allows anyone to come along, and upload or download whatever files they like. A readme.txt file is included in the root of the USB stick that explains the project and lists the locations of the other points.

Bartholl explains on his website detailing the project: “‘Dead Drops’ is an anonymous, offline, peer-to-peer file sharing network in public space. I am ‘injecting’ USB flash drives into walls, buildings and curbs accessible to anybody in public space. You are invited to go to these places (so far five in NYC) to drop or find files on a dead drop. Plug your laptop to a wall, house or pole to share your files.”

He also lists the locations of each USB stick, complete with images showing exactly where to find the port sticking out of the wall. They can be found mainly in Brooklyn and Manhattan, but Bartholl is also planning on creating a guide to allow people to make your own node near wherever they live around the world.

If you’re planning on plugging into one, remember that malicious USB sticks are relatively easy to concoct, so have an eye on your computer’s security. You might also want to bring along a USB extension cable, so that you don’t have to struggle with holding your laptop at exactly the right level, like this chap (Bre Pettis of MakerBot Industries) is doing.